Child dies of Marburg virus disease in NW Tanzania, bringing total deaths to 6


  • World
  • Sunday, 30 Apr 2023

DAR ES SALAAM, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian health authorities said on Saturday that an 18-month-old child has died of Marburg virus disease (MVD) in the northwestern region of Kagera.

The death of the child brought to six the number of patients killed by the disease since its outbreak in the region on March 21, 2023. It was announced in a statement by Minister of Health Ummy Mwalimu when she released an update on the disease.

The minister said the child belonged to a woman who had been diagnosed with the disease and was undergoing treatment in an isolation center.

Mwalimu said since the disease outbreak on March 21, nine cases have been reported, of which three patients recovered and six, including the child and a health worker, died.

She said 211 of the 212 people who were put under isolation were released after being monitored for 21 days and found not to be affected by the disease.

Mwalimu said the government was observing guidelines by the World Health Organization (WHO) on monitoring epidemics, including the MVD.

She said the government will announce total control of the disease after 42 days since the last suspected patient tested negative as per WHO guidelines, adding that the date will be May 31, 2023.

Mwalimu thanked people who were involved in controlling the MVD outbreak, including health workers, case management teams, contact tracing teams, and dignified burial teams.

She urged health workers across the East African nation to observe infection prevention and control guidelines.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In World

Cyprus says Moody's A3 upgrade vote of confidence in economy
Indonesia agrees to transfer remaining Bali Nine to Australia
Australian police arrest three at climate protest at coal port
Wealthy countries back raising COP29 climate deal to $300 billion, sources say
Philippine VP says she would have Marcos assassinated if she is killed
Russia's claim of emissions in annexed Ukraine regions draws protests at COP29
World leaders split as ICC issues arrest warrant for Netanyahu
Woman wins civil damages claim against MMA star Conor McGregor over rape accusation
North Korea condemns US military drills with South Korea and Japan
Trump taps Scott Bessent for Treasury, capping long drama over choice

Others Also Read